10 Tricks For Picking the Right Department

Featured Author:

Dr. Richard Weinblatt

Dr. Richard B. Weinblatt, Ed.D., M.P.A., is the former Director of the Institute for Public Safety for Central Ohio Technical College and an ex Police Chief. He previously served as a professor and program manager for the Criminal Justice Institute at Seminole Community College in Sanford, FL. He holds the Certified Law Enforcement Trainer (CLET) designation from the American Society for Law Enforcement Training (ASLET). He has appeared on local and national television news programs and written extensively on law enforcement topics since 1990.

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4) Turn-over. Ask or research what’s happening with the personnel in the agency. The sick leave rate and turnover of personnel will give you a major clue as to the level of employee satisfaction. If many folks leave the agency, the next question revolves around the “why.” Is it due to low pay? Is it due to an oppressive management culture? Is it due to inordinately high call volume? Or is it because of a cultural aversion to training or continuing education?

Well done. Doing one's homework is vital and the ride-alongs give the prospective employee a chance to view the culture, ask questions (ASK about leadership -- true servant-leaders or the all-too-common non-leader supervisors), and see how things are done.

Allen705- first of all thank you for your service to your community. At the same time I happen to be one of those veterans that will actually receive 10 points on the exam. I was a C5 loadmaster, so I shouldn't receive my points because I wasn't a military cop or civilian officer? With all due respect sir, our military veterans bring to the table what many civilians lack and that is leadership. Regardless of rank or job for that matter. I joined out of high school just separated with four years of active service and receiving masters in the next 2-3 years. Will it not be fair that a 25 yr old with a masters degree, military veteran, and 10 points on the test get a leg up over you. I'm sure I will be more than qualified to work at any level of law enforcement. Our veterans have made an incredible sacrifice in defense of our nation. Don't get upset over points you cannot receive but be a little more appreciative of what veterans have done. Good day sir. (and stay safe as well)

Anonymous

over 4 years ago

I liked this article because this is what I'm going through at the moment. I get my associates degree spring 2011. and I cant decide between State Police or the PD in my town. This was pretty helpful.

Anonymous

almost 5 years ago

I fully support military personnel being given 5 extra points with civil service agencies and preferential hiring with at will agencies. Its the least the nation can do for those who volunteer for its defense and then the safety of their communities, states, and with federal LE jobs.
Governement jobs will always favor veterans.

I would suggest to anyone looking to enter the police profession to look for departments that are not heavy on "Community Policing." Community Policing or "May I " policing will only get you assaulted or possibly killed at a higher rate. If you ask 100 police chiefs what Community Policing is, you'll get 100 different answers for this liberal nonsense that came to the forefront in the Clinton Justice Department. You want to be part of a department where its officers treat the general public with respect and where the criminal fears the officer.

I have five years of police experience under my belt, and i think the military points are total crap. When or if I want to move to civil service, i'm out of luck. Why don't state licensed peace officers get those as well???? IA cook or mechanic in the military who has a leg up over me??? Sorry, but I don't think fixing hummers gives anybody a leg up over me.

There are many reasons we get preference points not only the sacrifice I have made. For instance I have to leave my wife and daughter for 8 months in less than 2weeks because of my military obligation, it kills me. Besides that the Military has already put thousands of dollars into my LE training and Security training. Why not give us a few more points...Someone else has already invested money and time.

clobster, quit your whining about Military preference points... I challenge you to walk a mile in the shoes of those that serve or have served! And I am glad that those that seek advice from me are getting the same answer from me as the good Dr has put to paper here.

Well written. I did a ride along prior to making application. I asked lots of questions. I then joined the reserves of this same agency. The chief mentioned to me that I seem to put in a lot of time as a reserve and suggested I apply for fulll time. I did and was accepted. This was in 1972 and I had just turned 21. There was not that many people seeking a law enforcement career at that time and I felt so fortunate being appointed at the first agency I applied at. It was rare to find an applicant with a college degree at the time. I would hate to be seeking a position now days. Best to all.

Anonymous

about 5 years ago

@clobster. I know this may seem unfair, but there is a great sacrifice we soldiers, sailors. airmen, and marines, so willingly face to ensure that your freedom is in fact that, free. A lot of agencies choose us because of the self-discipline we obtain in a regimented environment, and the high level of training we also obtain. Because of our sacrifice which comes from the price of war we deserve those points for our dedication, and willingness to stand up and defend this country and keeping it free in the face of adversity!!!
I have been in the same boat as you, being knocked out, so this does not strictly happen to those who have not served their country.

If you have not already, obtain a college degree in this field, join as a reserve somewhere. A lot of agencies will hire from within and then open it to the general population. Volunteering is smiled upon by many. It is a way really for the upper chain to see who you are, and how well you are doing, and will review your performance in the end.

I have to wholeheartedly disagree with his rejection of the shotgun approach. Putting all your eggs in one (or even just a few baskets) for only a few positions sets you up for possible failure, especially for those of us without military preference points. If there are two openings in a department and there are five guys claiming military preference and getting the extra 10%, you better believe the best I'll get is #6, knocking me out of the rule of five.

This article was kind of a waste of time... Am I the only one getting frustrated with the format of the "lists" where you have to click to the next page for every new piece of information. On a positive note, the #1 Trick is great and really is the reason a lot of Officers end up unhappy. Take the time during your interviews to pick everyones brain and get an idea of what policing is to that department, it could be worlds away from your own ideas.